The role of urban community markets in service provision and the planning implications: a comparative case study of Kenyatta, Githurai and Stage markets in Nairobi.

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Abstract

The problem of unplanned urban community markets and how to accommodate the
physical and functional growth of the planned markets has continued to be a thorny issue
in urban planning. The availability of an acceptable site of operation is a precondition for
compliance with various statutes relating to business operations. The study IS an attempt
to analyze the factors behind the location, spatial spread and the roles played by both
formal and informal markets with specific reference to Kenyatta, Githurai and Stage
Markets.
The study has assessed the factors influencing the operations and development of the
various enterprises within the markets. The general background to the study reveals that
the present state of markets in Nairobi is as a result of a number of interrelated forces ,
ranging from the political, socio-economic, personal to legal setting The study has also
analysed the social and economic roles played by the urban community markets with
special reference to the three markets. The major roles that these markets play include
among others employment and provision of services to the urban communities where
they are located. The study takes note of the current trend of upcoming urban community
private market outlets as a result of the failure of local authorities to provide and maintain the public community markets. The recommendations proposed to the study have taken into consideration these forces.
some of the obstacles hindering optimal operation of the markets include unfavorable
institution' I and legal framework, lack of necessary infrastructure, inadequate finances
and inaccessibility-to customers. The major goal of the study is to assess the development
and operations of the markets under study and the planning implication This is done in
order to evolve planning recommendations that will ensure that the markets sufficiently
serve the neighbourhood communities while at the same time sustain their social,
economic and environmental functions.